Evansville will host the 2018 Indiana Republican Convention at the Ford Center, a first for the city.

Traditionally held in Indianapolis, the convention was moved to Fort Wayne for 2014. After returning to Indianapolis for 2016, GOP officials decided to hit the road again for 2018, this time to Southwest Indiana. The meeting will be June 8-9.

A host committee chaired by two-term Mayor Lloyd Winnecke put together a bid that was chosen over two others.

"We were completely blown away by the Evansville proposal," Indiana Republican Chairman Kyle Hupfer said. "I"m honored and thrilled with the work that's been done here ... One of the things that really drew us to Evansville and put this city over the top is the fact that this city has a Republican administration and a Republican leader who led this team."

During the event, the state party will nominate its 2018 candidates for secretary of state, auditor and treasurer. Those offices are all now held by Republicans -- Secretary of State Connie Lawson, Auditor Tera Klutz and Treasurer Kelly Mitchell. Republican officials also will vote on the party's platform at the convention.

About 1,700 delegates and total attendance of 2,200-2,700 are expected for the convention, according to party officials. The first day, a Friday, mostly involves socializing for state party officials and activists. The formal business of approving the nominees and platform takes place on the convention Saturday.

Evansville Convention & Visitors Bureau Executive Director Bob Warren said one necessary step to landing the convention was asking the regional Jehovah’s Witnesses convention to modify its 2018 schedule at the Ford Center. The Jehovah's Witness group agreed to do so.

Hupfer said party decided "on a wing and prayer" four years ago to occasionally move its conventions outside the state capital. The 2014 event in downtown Fort Wayne was considered a success.

"We had a some commitments up there, and on a few handshakes we went for it," Hupfer said. "It worked out great. Our folks that attended loved it, all the trepidation of being outside the city were dissipated, and we had a great time."

Winnecke promised that the GOP can also expect a great time here. "We will not disappoint," he said. "We will throw out the red carpet."

Winnecke said he views the convention as an opportunity to showcase Evansville for outsiders, and as evidence that the Hilton DoubleTree, which opened in February, is helping the city get state and regional convention business back.

AIM Indiana, formerly known as the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns, will have its annual state meeting in Evansville Oct. 10-12. It will be the group's first visit here since 2007.